The roar of love

10+ favorite books

2009-07-02T14:03:00.004-04:00

My friend, Sarah Sumner, just e-mailed me asking: "What are your 10 favorite books? I'm developing a 'Read before you die' list for myself."

Sooo, here's my best attempt (in random order) . . .

*Les Miserables by Victor Hugo

*Everything by C. S. Lewis

*The Bridge To Terabithia by Katharine Patterson

*To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee

*Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

*The Bridge Across Forever by Richard Bach

*The Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck

*The Count Of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas

*Watership Down by Richard Adams

*The Hobbit and Lord Of The Rings trilogy by J. R. R. Tolkien

*Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt

*The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

*The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough

*Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell

Okay, a few more than 10 and done very quickly.

Now, what are the best books you've ever read?

Hearing from God

2009-06-30T08:16:00.002-04:00

When I'm not sure I'm hearing the voice of God or just had bad pizza the night before . . .

1. Continue to pray and listen. When it is a significant decision I include fasting (typically from 1 to 3 days).

2. Make sure everything is in line with the Bible. The Holy Spirit will NEVER contradict God's Word.

3. Ask people I trust to pray and fast with me. There is wisdom in many counselors.

4. If hearing from God effects others than myself I always involve people that I know are Godly to help me discern God's will.

Filled

2009-06-24T17:03:00.002-04:00

I have a confession to make: I have grown up a bit "Spirit-phobic."

My church background and seminary training both taught me that the Holy Spirit no longer works the same way he did in the Book of Acts (the cessationist view). That if people were taught about the full empowerment of the Holy Spirit then pretty soon they would be barking in our church services and chewing on the carpet--of which I want no part.

Sooo, I've done a pretty poor job over the years of teaching about the third person in the Trinity. BUT, this weekend we're beginning a new teaching series called Filled. Yes, filled with the Holy Spirit.

I would love to hear from you . . . What questions do you have about the Holy Spirit?

Prone to wander

2009-06-23T05:53:00.004-04:00

We're probably all familiar with some type of image of a shepherd carrying a sheep around his shoulders. The truth is that it is not an uncommon way for a Bedouin shepherd to carry one of his flock.

But the image has a deeper meaning . . .

I was in Bethlehem at the traditional site where the angels would have appeared to the shepherd announcing the birth of the Messiah. Our local guide shared with us some very meaningful knowledge about the normal practices of the shepherds. In particular about why a shepherd would carry a sheep on his shoulders.

Lambs are prone to wander--to wander away from the flock--to wander away from the safe care of their shepherd. Because the shepherd cares deeply for his flock, when he finds a wandering lamb he intentionally breaks one of its legs. Then, for the next six months, the shepherd carries the lamb on his shoulders while the break heals. During this time of healing a deep bond is formed between the shepherd and his wandering lamb. The lamb becomes intimately aware of the voice of the shepherd. By the end of six weeks the lamb is very unlikely to wander into danger ever again.

Having traversed the rugged hillsides in the wilderness of Israel I gained a greater respect for the shepherds and their care for their sheep. I had to wonder if a shepherd might think, "Not again. Now I have to carry this animal on my shoulders for six weeks!"

If a shepherd didn't highly value a lamb I doubt if he would go through the personal agony of breaking its leg and then lugging it around for a month and a half.

I wonder how many times Jesus, as my Shepherd, has had to do the same with me? I am prone to wander.

Lessons from Israel

2009-06-18T19:01:00.002-04:00

I'm still processing my pilgrimmage to Israel. In fact, I'm sure I will still be processing for weeks and months to come. But, here are some lessons I've learned so far . . .

1. I cannot fully understand the teachings of Jesus without knowledge of the geography of Israel.

For example--when Jesus (in the Sermon on the Mount) told his hearers that they must "love their enemies," he was speaking from a hillside that would have directly overlooked the city of Tiberias less than three miles away. Tiberias was a Roman city. A city which housed the Roman military. The Roman military that was oppressing the Jewish people. The Roman military that was the bitter enemy of the Jew. When Jesus said, "You must love your enemy," it was nothing short of revolutionary with the enemy in sight.

2. I cannot fully understand the teachings of Jesus without understanding the Jewish religious system.

For example--Jesus was a Jewish Rabbi . . . a highly esteemed position of learning. For Jesus to undercut (undercut is too gentle a term). For Jesus to provoke, attack, dismantle the religious leaders of his day was to sign his own death warrant. A fact I am sure of which he was aware.

3. I cannot fully understand the teachings of Jesus without understanding the culture of the Jewish people.

For example--When Jesus spoke of a sheep knowing the voice of its shepherd, he knew the culture and responsibilities of a shepherd. If a sheep was prone to wander away from the flock the shepherd would break one of the sheep's legs. The shepherd would then carry the sheep over his own shoulders for the next six weeks until the leg was healed. At the end of the six weeks there would be a deep bond between the shepherd and the sheep which had been carried. The sheep would know the voice of the shepherd. Most often, the sheep would never wander again.

Jesus was Jewish . . .

For now

2009-06-12T06:19:00.003-04:00

I am sitting in an internet cafe in Old Jerusalem drinking a Turkish coffee. This is my third day in this amazing city.

I have enjoyed many cross-cultural opportunities and this one certainly ranks as one of the most intense. 35,000 people live within the city walls encompassing 6 tenths of a square mile. The city is divided into four quarters--the Muslim, Christian, Jewish and Arminian. All are getting along reasonably well . . . for now.

This morning we walked the 14 stations of the cross ending at the empty tomb of Jesus. It was a very meaningful experience. This evening we will watch the Sabbath come in at the Wailing Wall.

To walk where Jesus walked is difficult to get my arms around. I'm trying to let it all flow over me and into me. It will be interesting to see what difference a pilgrimmage of this magnitude makes in the long run.

For now, I will simply let my heart be filled, my eyes be opened, my mind be renewed.

USA Mary

2009-06-09T09:46:00.002-04:00

Israel is one of the only countries to which I have traveled where I actually resemble the local ethnicity--which can be a bit challenging. Everyone assumes I speak Hebrew and Aramaic. I say the only word I know, "shalom," smile and keep on walking.

Yesterday we visited the Church of the Annunciation. It is the traditional site of Gabriel's announcement to Mary that she would be the mother of the Messiah. One of the really cool aspects of the church was the 50+ mosaics around the walls depicting Mary and the baby Jesus in the ethnicity 50+ different countries. Japan, Thailand, Guatemala, India, etc. The depiction of Mary from the USA was inside the church. It was nothing short of imposing. Unfortunately, USA Mary looked angry and aggressive in all of her glory. AND, no Jesus in the picture. Hmmm.

Today, on our free day, three of us rented a car and drove up Mount Tabor (the traditional site of the transfiguration when Moses and Elijah appeared with Jesus). I have always wondered if the other disciples were jealous of Peter, James and John when they got to go up the Mount with Jesus. Now I'm not so sure. The climb was a seriously long one up the side of a small mountain. Now I wonder if the other disciples were relieved that they didn't have to make the arduous journey.

Tomorrow we leave Galilee and head to Jerusalem . . .

Thin places

2009-06-06T20:25:00.004-04:00

There are times when God seems exceptionally close - close enough to bring tears quickly, to rend your heart, to cause uproarious laughter . . .

This morning I got up at 5. My roommate, Bart Stone, and I walked down to the shore of the Sea of Galilee to watch the sun rise. As the sun ripped over the mountain I swam about 40 yards out from shore. As I was treading water I couldn't help but think of Peter jumping over the side of the boat after recognizing Jesus and then swimming to shore. I swam to shore. Thin place.

At 8:30 we went to the Jordan River where Jesus was baptized. I knelt down and lifted water over my head. Tears flowed with the Jordan. Thin place.

Later, we took a boat ride across the Sea of Galilee. With the crowds pressing in on the shores I came to believe that the Sea was most likely a quiet place for Jesus. That two hours of sailing was welcome respite before walking amidst the masses once again. I rested. Thin place.

We closed the day with communion. My prayer partner, David Loveless, served me the body and blood of Christ. As he broke the bread he said to me, "This is the body broken for all of our idiotic screw-ups in life." I started laughing and handed him the cup saying, "And this is the blood shed for all of our idiotic screw-ups yet to come." We walked away from the altar laughing out loud. Thin place.

May you find your thin place.

This is the essence

2009-06-06T20:17:00.001-04:00

This morning I spent two hours on the Mount of Beatitudes-the traditional site where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount.

After some general information about the location we were told to simply go spend time with God. I spent the next several minutes reading through the Sermon on the Mount as recorded in Matthew 5-7. And then I reread it . . . only this time asking God to speak into my life.

Matthew 7:12 came alive to me: Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of ALL that is taught in the law and the prophets.

Okay, at a very young age I memorized the Golden Rule. Perhaps that's why I don't pay too much attention to it. It's for little kids. Didn't Jesus say, "Unless you become like a little child . . ." Hmmm.

So I wrote in my journal:

If I were an orphan I would want someone to adopt me.

I were ill I would want someone to care for me.

If I were elderly and alone I would want someone to visit me.

If I were oppressed I would want someone to fight for me.

If I were wealthy I would want someone to teach me how to invest for eternity.

If I were addicted I would want someone to love me unconditionally.

If I were to win I would want someone to celebrate with me.

If I were on a journey I would want someone to walk beside me.

If I were weeping I would want someone to hold me.

This is the essence . . .

The strong name of Jesus

2009-06-05T10:12:00.003-04:00

After 24 hours of travel we checked into Scott's Hotel overlooking the Sea of Galilee.

As every night, we closed our day with worship and communion together. Tonight was very meaningful. We came into God's presence in St. Andrew's Church right on the Sea.

Our Team Leader, Tom Jones, invited us each to come forward. As Tom placed a cross around my neck he said, "Greg, my friend, receive this cross in the strong name of Jesus." Wearing the cross I stepped aside to our Spiritual Director, John Wassem. John placed communion in my outstretched hands with the familiar words, "Body of Christ, broken for you. Blood of Christ, shed for you."

A very good beginning to our pilgrimage.

God help me to walk with Jesus . . .

2009-06-02T11:35:00.002-04:00

We're preparing to head to the airport. Our flight from Atlanta to Frankfurt will be nine hours. From Frankfurt we'll fly to Tel Aviv--another four hours. Once arriving in Tel Aviv we have a 3 hour bus ride into Galilee. Fairly grueling trip.

Over the past 48 hours we have experienced several times of extended prayer. It has been amazingly good.

God help me to walk with Jesus . . .

Pilgrimmage

2009-06-01T07:37:00.002-04:00

I'm in Atlanta, Georgia, at an orientation meeting before flying to Israel tomorrow afternoon. 20 Pastors from across the country have gathered together to spend 17 days on a spiritual pilgrimmage. Nearly 8 months ago I applied for a grant to be part of this amazing trip . . . and now here I am.

I've never been overly enamored with the touristy side of the Holy Land. What I am interested in is gaining a deeper understanding of the culture and setting of the Bible narrative. I'm interested in walking where Jesus walked--literally.

This pilgrimmage is designed to give its participants time to simply be with God. For instance, the plan is that we'll be dropped off at the Mount of Olives. Our instructions are to take our Bible, our journal and we'll gather together after three hours of alone time--I like this plan.

I realize that this is an unprecedented opportunity for me. I also take the responsibility that comes with it very seriously.

Would you pray for me?

1. That God would speak boldly into my heart.

2. That I would be still enough to listen . . . to really hear.

3. That I would come home a renewed Pastor with much to share with the church God has entrusted me to lead.

4. For my wife Julie, daughter Tabitha and son Elijah--that they would be safe and worry free while I am away.

Blue-sky

2009-05-29T05:48:00.002-04:00

I spent the past two days in a strategic gathering with the RiverTree staff team.

We spent several hours "blue-skying" the question: What would the church really be like if it were sold out to following Jesus today?

*It would be heavily involved in discipleship/equipping people to live like Jesus and as Jesus in the world.

*It would share "crappy" community (community that is authentic enough to share life's "crap" with one another.

*It would lead people to Jesus as Life Transformer.

*It would be a blessing to those outside of the church (we are blessed to be a blessing).

Some other thoughts . . .

*The face of the American church is changing and MUST change like never before in order to be effective.

*The church in America is facing great challenges accompanied by great opportunities.

*Consumerism in America is one of the deadliest enemies of the follower of Jesus.

*American Christianity looks very little like the Christianity of the Bible.

At the close of our time together we were more excited than ever as servant leaders of God's people. Excited to be part of a movement of people incarnating the DNA of Jesus in every nook and cranny of society and culture!

I remember

2009-05-22T12:48:00.002-04:00

Well, we're headed into Memorial Day weekend . . . A time to remember.

In 1868, Commander in Chief, John A. Logan, inaugurated the observance of Memorial Day in honor of fallen soldiers from the Civil War. Over the years it has come to serve as a day we remember all U.S. men and women killed or missing in action in all wars.

For most of us, Memorial Day has become a time to remember not only those lost in military action but all of those we love who have passed from this life.

So, today I remember:

Grandma Nettle who prayed for me every night on her knees until the day she died. She prayed from the time that I was 10 that I would grow up to be a Pastor.

Earl Skinner who was like a Grandparent to me. He did woodworking projects with me, gave me my first hunting gun and and taught me that it was okay for men to cook.

My Mammau who was the living incarnation of spunk.

Grandma Rex (On Julie's side), a devout Catholic who was proud to pronounce that she was the first ecumenical.

Terry Everhart who was an Elder at RiverTree. Terry helped us through some very challenging transitional times as a church.

Rich Mullins who was the first person to teach me to think outside of the box as a follower of Jesus.

Who do you remember?

Destination Destin

2009-05-19T09:05:00.002-04:00

I'm in Destin, Florida with the Stinklings.

The Stinklings are my Pastor buddies who I've committed to "do life" with. We do our best to sharpen one another, help each other stay out of trouble, encourage one another and simply have fun together. I wish everyone would experience what we enjoy together.

We've been through some "stuff." There are always challenges in ministry, we make mistakes and life can be just plain hard. But it's good to know that a voice of wisdom is just a phone call away and that if something serious were going on someone would be jumping on a plane to join in the battle.

Sooo, I'm off to plan sermons and play a little golf!

You are what you eat

2009-05-14T08:04:00.002-04:00

This coming weekend's teaching is You are what you eat. The Scripture we will be applying to our lives comes from 1 Peter 2:2-3: Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, now that you have had a taste of the Lord's kindness.

The reality is that if we feed the spiritual person inside of us--the spiritual person will grow. On the other hand, if we feed the fleshly person inside of us--the fleshly person will grow. You are what you eat.

Just for fun . . . I've been thinking in the purest physical sense about what I love to eat. I have always loved Ho Hos and Kraft macaroni and cheese. However, most recently, my food vice of choice has been Ben and Jerry's Chunky Monkey ice cream--really amazing right before you go to bed!

What's your current food favorite?

Blessing single moms

2009-05-12T09:20:00.003-04:00

This past weekend I had the privilege to be part of something that was very close to the heart of God.

In all of our weekend services at RiverTree we blessed single moms. We prayed for them. We told them how wonderful it is to be able to partner with them. We gave them Mother's Day cards . . . each of which contained a gift card.

500 single moms were blessed!

One of the things that I loved was that in addition to the moms who were present at our services, we encouraged our church family partners to bless single moms they knew outside of the church. 200 cards and gift cards were taken to pass on to others.

One man, in between services, shared with me, "I wish my mom could have been part of a church like this. My mom passed her faith on to me. She was a single mom and the church we were part of growing up made us feel like second class citizens." There are no second class citizens in God's Kingdom!!!

Another mom sent me the following e-mail:

Pastor Greg--I just want to let RiverTree know how greatly appreciated it is. What an amazing way to honor moms--single moms. There are numerous times when I feel so unrecognized, so alone and so tired. I was uplifted to our God by the many hands and hearts who prayed for me at the weekend services. Thank you for partnering with me to raise my daughter as a princess to the King and helping me to remember that I am the same.

That's why we do what we do . . .

Kingdom Synergy Partnerships

2009-05-08T05:58:00.002-04:00

I spent the day yesterday with 55 other leaders from all across the state of Ohio who are involved with Kingdom Synergy Partnerships. KSP is all about exponentially expanding God's Kingdom through synergy partnerships relentlessly committed to multiplying healthy growing churches.

It was an amazing day.

Scott Pugh, the Lead Planter for Velocity Christian Church, in Cleveland, Ohio, reported that since their launch on Palm Sunday they have been averaging nearly 200 people in attendance!

A new synergy group was formed that will plant our third church to date in Cleveland.

New studies show that on any given weekend only 18% of the people in Ohio attend church.

The single most effective way of reaching people for Jesus is to plant new churches. We currently have 8 new church plants in process.

That's why we do what we do.

Guess what day it is?

2009-05-05T14:25:00.003-04:00

Yesterday, Julie and I celebrated "Magic Vacation Day" with our ten year old daughter, Tabitha.

Now I know before I tell you more about this that some of you are going to disapprove of what we do. All I can say is that I wish my parents had done this for me when I was growing up!

Every school year we have a "Magic Vacation Day." Tabs never knows when it's going to be. On the surprise day, Julie and I wake her up together by asking, "Guess what day it is?" "Magic Vacation Day!" The look on Tabitha's face is priceless.

Next, Julie calls Tabs off school. The office worker asked Julie if Tabs was ill (swine flu thing you know). And no, Julie didn't tell her that Tabs was sick--she simply said we were having a Magic Vacation Day. No problem.

My mom came over to watch our little boy Elijah for the day (This is very important, this is Tab's special day).

After having breakfast together we went and saw Monsters Vs Aliens 3D at the theater. Next was a picnic lunch in the park. The afternoon was spent making pottery at Glazed And Amused. After dinner at Tab's favorite restaurant--Carabbas--we ended the day with a pontoon boat ride on Willowdale Lake.

The day rocked!!!

Our prayer is that Tabitha will grow up with amazing memories of days when mom and dad awakened her with the question, "Guess what day it is?"

Swine errr "Mexican" flu

2009-05-04T06:56:00.002-04:00

The swine flu is rapidly becoming a world-wide problem. Most countries are dealing with the specific dangers of illness, and in some cases, death. Other countries have other aspects of the flu to deal with.

"We will use the term 'Mexican flu' in order not to have to pronounce the word 'swine,'" declared Deputy Health Minister Yakov Litzman of the United Torah Judaism party.

Yes, better to attach the name to a country or ethnic group than call it what it is!

Judge not?

2009-04-30T12:44:00.002-04:00

In our series this weekend we're talking about Jesus' statement, "Judge not, or you too will be judged." I need your help once again.

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you felt like you were being judged by someone? Or, do you ever find yourself being judgmental toward others?

This is going to sound crazy, BUT, I find it increasingly challenging to tell people that I am a Pastor these days. It's like they make this automatic judgment that I'm going to be judgmental towards them--ouch.

I was flying into Akron/Canton a couple of weeks ago and the guy sitting beside me asked what I did for a living. I told him that I was a teacher (I didn't want the automatic walls to go up). I kid you not, he said, "Oh, I thought you were a Pastor." "Ummm, actually I am."

I'm not at all embarassed by what I do, I just hate the way the conversation shifts and the way people change their behavior when they make judgments about what it means for me to be a Pastor. Know what I mean?

What forgiveness is not

2009-04-27T09:58:00.003-04:00

This past weekend in our teaching time I talked about some important things that forgiveness is not.

1. Forgiving is not forgetting. With time that might happen--in fact, I hope it does. However, forgetting something quickly when you have been caused deep pain just means you have a bad memory.

On the flip side . . . forgiving and then reminding the person of how they have wounded us is really not forgiving at all.

2. Forgiving does not release someone from the consequences of their actions. Often there are legal, financial or relational ramifications to a damaging incident or behavior. Even though God showed mercy to Cain when he killed his brother Abel (Genesis 4), God still exiled Cain from the land.

On the flip side . . . forgiving does mean that I give up my right to demand revenge.

3. Forgiving does not always mean reconciliation. God always desires healthy, healed relationships. However, there are some circumstances (Ie. Sexual or physical abuse) in which, even though you have forgiven the person, you should stay away from them. Just because I forgive someone does not mean I have to meet them for coffee at Starbucks every Tuesday morning at 7.

Difficult to forgive?

2009-04-24T08:17:00.003-04:00

I need your help.

This weekend we're continuing in our teaching series, Did Jesus Really Mean That? Last weekend we wrestled with Jesus' statement, "If you marry a divorced person, then you are committing adultery." This weekend we'll talk about, "If you don't forgive others, then God won't forgive you."

So here's where I need your help . . .

What situation do you find yourself in (or could find yourself in) that you would find it difficult to forgive?

I've been giving this some thought and the most difficult situation for me would be if someone intentionally harmed one of my children.

How about you?

It is best . . .

2009-04-23T07:22:00.002-04:00

Jesus said, "But now I am going away to the One who sent me, and not one of you is asking where I am going. Instead, you grieve because of what I've told you. But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I didn't, the Advocate (Spirit) won't come. If I do go away then I will send him to you." (John 16:5-7)

One of the things I find myself wrestling with these days is the role of the Advocate (Spirit) in my everday life--and in the life of the church. Because of the tradition in which I grew up I find myself a bit "Spirit-phobic." The last thing I want is people barking in our weekend church gatherings!

What I'm coming to realize is that Jesus left this earth PRECISELY so that the Holy Spirit could be active in my life and in the life of the church. But what does that mean . . . exactly? What does it mean to be led by, empowered by, taught by the Holy Spirit?

Faith Training

2009-04-21T10:36:00.003-04:00

I just finished reading Faith Training by Joe White. The book is centered around passing our faith onto our children. Overall, it's not that great of a read. HOWEVER, it did inspire me to be more intentional about teaching my kids to love Jesus. As Joe says, it's not the responsibility of the school system or the church to train my children--the responsibility belongs with me as a parent!

Sooo, Tabs and I will continue to memorize Bible verses together. I'll continue to recount the stories of God's people whenever possible. I'll continue to sing "Jesus loves me" to my son Elijah when I put him to bed.

At the end of the day, or the end of my life, if I haven't raised children that love the Lord, then I have failed one of the most important responsibilities entrusted to me.